PAHO - Pan American Health Organization

Published purpose

March 2016 - The Zika virus continues to spread within the Latin America and Caribbean region. Evidence to date suggests a causal link between Zika virus infection and cases of microcephaly and neurological disorders such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome. The possible links with these serious disorders have rapidly changed the risk profile of Zika from that of a mild threat to one of more serious proportions. As a result, on February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization’s (WHO) International Health Regulations Emergency Committee determined that the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurologic disorders reported in the Americas region constitute a public health emergency of international concern. With GAC’s support and other donors, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is strengthening the detection, prevention and response to the Zika virus epidemic in the Americas. Project activities include: (1) strengthening event-based surveillance and laboratory capacity; (2) supporting the provision of essential medicines and personal protective equipment; and (3) providing guidance to affected and at-risk countries on case management of Zika-infected pregnant women and cases of microcephaly and other neurological disorders.